Sales of large panel vans performed very well last year, and that trend is predicted to continue into 2015, thanks to strong growth in the construction and home delivery sectors. The Ford Transit is one of the best-selling vans in this segment and may be slightly cheaper than you anticipated.
Deal Overview
This medium wheelbase, medium roof model variant, and employs the 99bhp-rated 2.2-litre diesel engine. It provides 9.5 cubic metres of load space, but because it’s only the 2.9 tonne variant, payload is restricted to a maximum of 940kg.
Loading Area
The 3,044mm load length should be more than enough for most trades, while the 1,392mm width between the wheelarches is capable of accommodating a Europallet lengthways. A passenger side loading door and full height bulkhead are included as standard.
Engine
Ford’s 2.2-litre duratorque has proved itself, not just in the Ford Transit, but in the Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Relay for the past 10 years. There are broad power and torque bands, with the peak power of 99bhp available from 2,700rpm to 3,500rpm and the 310Nm of torque is on offer between 1,300 and 2,00rpm.
Official test figures rate the fuel economy at around 40.4mpg on the combined cycle.
In the cab
Inside, the new Transit interior is more car-like than any other in this segment with a low driving position and stylish gadgets and dashboard. There aren’t a lot of storage spaces in the cab but the big glovebox has space for A4 documents too and there’s a fold-down section in the middle passenger seat with two small cupholders.
This basic spec is still quite generous, with the radio coming with auxiliary, MP3, and Bluetooth connectivity, trip computer, gear shift indicator, remote control central locking, and an 8-way adjustable seat with armrest.
On the road
First of all, the new Transit is very easy to drive. It feels much smaller than its true size on the road and is far from intimidating, even for inexperienced drivers. All Transits feature a six-speed manual gearbox which is very friendly to use with a snappy, dashboard-mounted gear lever.
This power rating does begin to run out of breath a little on steep inclines but there’s less noise than before and ride quality is very good, too.
Summary
At £14,693 plus VAT, this deal represents huge value for money. It’s a great vehicle to drive its load-carrying capabilities are better than ever. Combined that with the low running costs, and it will be hard to turn this van down if you’re in the market.
